Genio was my dog, and he was an awesome dog. He was a pit bull that was mixed with something else. We originally got him from someone my dad knew who could not keep pets anymore in her apartment. She had three, and luckily for us, our neighbors behind us took in Genio's mom and sister while we took him. I think there was piece of mind for everyone, including the dogs because they had to adjust to new homes yet they didn't have to feel separated.
He was a strong puppy too, ripping through his leash on the first day at our home. That was an omen for the playfulness in him. And although playful, it was all done in a timely manner, which is something I could strongly relate to. As the years went by, he became a respected member of the family. A guard, who we knew would strike if he sense danger. A caretaker, as he was always as playful as a teddy bear when he was near children. A baby, and like any baby enjoyed having playtime with the belly and made "happy eyes" whenever that special area on his neck was rubbed. A gentleman, who always had to have his paw shaken by whoever was giving him his plate of food during that time, otherwise it would just be rude to not do so.
I saw these elements in him come alive for me during the reading of Dean Koontz's book, A Big Little Life. Koontz had a dog named Trixie who had such amazing qualities, that he could not help but write a book about her. Granted, I've been reading Koontz's works since high school (it all started with Sole Survivor) and if you know anything about the man, you know autobiographical tales are not his push. He's more into the second-supernatural-nature-door-portal-opening-while-someone-has-a-hidden-talent-the-world-is-trying-to-suppress type of author. I love his writing and I immediately rose to the challenge of giving this different genre of his a spin.
Although Genio is no longer with us, as Trixie is no longer with Dean, I always wonder how of how awesome it is to look at an animal and want to hear its story. Because animals have an innocence and because they are our closest link to true nature, there's a reason so many stories involve them.
I just wonder what kind of story my parents' current dog, Patches, will leave behind as her legacy.
